Car Knowledge

Understand how vehicles work, from engines to modern automotive technology.

Automotive Terminology Every Driver Should Know
Featured · Car Knowledge

Automotive Terminology Every Driver Should Know

A practical glossary of car terminology — from understeer and camber to compression ratio and regenerative braking.

By Cars & Driving Editorial Team · 5 min · Feb 7, 2025
Car Fluids You Should Know Beyond Engine Oil
Car Knowledge

Car Fluids You Should Know Beyond Engine Oil

Coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid — what each one does, why it degrades, and what to watch for.

By Cars & Driving Editorial Team · 7 min · Dec 14, 2023
Caring for a Car Battery: What Shortens Its Life and What Extends It
Car Knowledge

Caring for a Car Battery: What Shortens Its Life and What Extends It

Short trips, extreme temperatures, and parasitic drain all affect battery health. Learn what genuinely protects your car's battery.

By Cars & Driving Editorial Team · 7 min · Feb 6, 2023
Common Myths About Running on Low Fuel
Car Knowledge

Common Myths About Running on Low Fuel

Does a near-empty tank really damage your fuel pump? Separating fact from fiction on low-fuel driving habits.

By Cars & Driving Editorial Team · 6 min · Apr 12, 2023
Front-Wheel, Rear-Wheel, and All-Wheel Drive: What Changes Behind the Wheel
Car Knowledge

Front-Wheel, Rear-Wheel, and All-Wheel Drive: What Changes Behind the Wheel

Drive layout shapes how a car handles, accelerates, and responds in different conditions. Here's what distinguishes FWD, RWD, and AWD.

By Cars & Driving Editorial Team · 6 min · Jan 6, 2024
How a Manual Gearbox Works (And Why the Technique Matters)
Car Knowledge

How a Manual Gearbox Works (And Why the Technique Matters)

Manual transmissions are mechanical elegance in action. Understand the clutch, gear selection, and synchromesh — and why smooth shifts matter.

By Cars & Driving Editorial Team · 8 min · Sep 22, 2025
Modern Driver-Assistance Systems: What ADAS Actually Does
Car Knowledge

Modern Driver-Assistance Systems: What ADAS Actually Does

Lane-keeping assist, autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring — how modern ADAS technologies work and what their limits are.

By Cars & Driving Editorial Team · 7 min · Sep 15, 2025
Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid, and Electric: How Each Powertrain Works
Car Knowledge

Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid, and Electric: How Each Powertrain Works

A clear breakdown of how petrol, diesel, hybrid, and electric powertrains differ in operation, efficiency, and everyday driving experience.

By Cars & Driving Editorial Team · 7 min · Nov 3, 2025
Pre-Long-Journey Vehicle Check: What to Inspect Before You Set Off
Car Knowledge

Pre-Long-Journey Vehicle Check: What to Inspect Before You Set Off

A practical pre-trip checklist covering tyres, fluids, lights, brakes, and load to help you set off with confidence.

By Cars & Driving Editorial Team · 6 min · Apr 1, 2023
Reading a Tyre Sidewall: What Those Numbers and Letters Actually Mean
Car Knowledge

Reading a Tyre Sidewall: What Those Numbers and Letters Actually Mean

That string of numbers on your tyre isn't random. Learn how to decode tyre size, load rating, speed index, and more.

By Cars & Driving Editorial Team · 6 min · Feb 26, 2026
The Anatomy of a Car Engine
Car Knowledge

The Anatomy of a Car Engine

From pistons to camshafts, explore the key components inside a combustion engine and understand what each one does.

By Cars & Driving Editorial Team · 9 min · Jan 18, 2026
The Real Difference Between Adaptive and Standard Cruise Control
Car Knowledge

The Real Difference Between Adaptive and Standard Cruise Control

Standard cruise control holds speed. Adaptive cruise control does much more. Here's how each system works and what separates them.

By Cars & Driving Editorial Team · 5 min · May 10, 2026
Torque vs Horsepower: Why Both Numbers Matter When Reading a Spec Sheet
Car Knowledge

Torque vs Horsepower: Why Both Numbers Matter When Reading a Spec Sheet

Torque and horsepower measure different things. Here's what each figure really tells you about how a car performs on the road.

By Cars & Driving Editorial Team · 5 min · Mar 8, 2026
Understanding Your Car's Suspension System
Car Knowledge

Understanding Your Car's Suspension System

Suspension is what keeps your wheels on the road and your ride comfortable. Explore how springs, dampers, and linkages work together.

By Cars & Driving Editorial Team · 8 min · Dec 30, 2025
What Your Engine Warning Light Is Actually Telling You
Car Knowledge

What Your Engine Warning Light Is Actually Telling You

Dashboard warning lights decoded: what each symbol means, which ones need urgent attention, and when to see a mechanic.

By Cars & Driving Editorial Team · 8 min · Oct 20, 2023
Why Your Brakes Feel Different — And When That's a Problem
Car Knowledge

Why Your Brakes Feel Different — And When That's a Problem

Spongy, squeaky, or pulsing brakes each point to different causes. Understand what brake feel tells you about your stopping system.

By Cars & Driving Editorial Team · 5 min · May 19, 2026